Alabama Engineering Schools

Alabama is home to a rich tradition of engineering excellence, with a strong focus on innovation, aerospace, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. Whether you're aiming to study in a large public university or a specialized technical institution, Alabama offers diverse options for launching a successful engineering career.

Why Study Engineering in Alabama

From aerospace innovation to advanced manufacturing, Alabama offers a dynamic landscape for aspiring engineers to learn, grow, and build rewarding careers.

  • Aerospace & Defense Hub: Alabama is home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and Redstone Arsenal, creating strong demand for aerospace and mechanical engineers.

  • Thriving Manufacturing Sector: Major automotive and industrial manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and Hyundai operate in the state, supporting different types of engineering jobs.

  • Robust Education Infrastructure: Alabama’s universities offer a range of ABET-accredited programs across engineering disciplines.

  • Cost-Effective Education: Tuition rates tend to be lower than national averages, with abundant scholarship opportunities.

  • Strong Industry Partnerships: Engineering schools often collaborate with companies for research, internships, and job placement.

Some of the Top Engineering Schools in Alabama

Alabama offers several highly regarded institutions for engineering education, each with unique strengths and areas of specialization.

Auburn University
Samuel Ginn College of Engineering

The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering at Auburn University emphasizes a student-centered approach, offering hands-on, experiential learning in and out of the classroom. With a focus on producing practice-ready engineers, the college provides a comprehensive educational experience through ten departments:

  • Aerospace

  • Biosystems

  • Chemical

  • Civil and Environmental

  • Computer Science and Software

  • Electrical and Computer

  • Industrial and Systems

  • Materials

  • Mechanical

  • Wireless

Students can pursue undergraduate, graduate, and online engineering degrees. The college also supports professional development through Auburn Engineering Online and Continuing Education. Its extensive research enterprise is anchored by numerous centers, including the National Center for Asphalt Technology, the National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence, and the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Engineering.

About the University

Auburn University is a public research institution located in Auburn, Alabama. Known for its commitment to academic excellence and student engagement, Auburn provides a traditional campus experience in a vibrant college town setting.

The University of Alabama
College of Engineering

The College of Engineering at The University of Alabama offers a robust and flexible educational environment, supporting a wide array of nationally accredited programs designed to help students tailor their academic paths. The college comprises the following departments:

  • Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics

  • Chemical and Biological Engineering

  • Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering

  • Computer Science

  • Electrical and Computer Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

Degree options span undergraduate and graduate levels, with research opportunities enhanced by the college’s many specialized centers. Notable research facilities include the Alabama Center for the Advancement of AI, the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Design Integration, and the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure. Students also benefit from structured services such as the Freshman Engineering Program, Cooperative Education, and dedicated career support resources.

About the University

The University of Alabama is a public research university located in Tuscaloosa. It offers a traditional campus setting with a strong focus on academic excellence, research innovation, and student development across disciplines.

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
School of Engineering

The School of Engineering at UAB offers a comprehensive education in engineering, providing students with strong foundational knowledge and practical experience to support a range of career paths. The school supports both undergraduate and graduate programs, reinforced by research opportunities and industry partnerships.

Students can pursue studies across various engineering disciplines through the school's academic departments. UAB's engineering programs emphasize applied research, faculty mentorship, and access to internships, equipping students with the tools necessary for professional success. The school also supports initiatives and awards that recognize academic achievement and promote innovative research, such as in soft-sensor technology and traffic engineering.

About the University

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public research university located in the urban center of Birmingham. Known for its strong focus on healthcare and STEM fields, UAB offers students access to interdisciplinary opportunities and resources in a dynamic city setting.

University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH)
College of Engineering

The College of Engineering at UAH is the university’s largest academic unit and offers a diverse range of engineering programs grounded in research and hands-on learning. It provides both undergraduate and graduate degrees across the core engineering disciplines, all supported by ABET-accredited undergraduate programs.

Students can choose from the following departments:

  • Chemical & Materials Engineering

  • Civil & Environmental Engineering

  • Electrical and Computer Engineering

  • Industrial & Systems Engineering and Engineering Management

  • Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Students benefit from UAH’s location in Huntsville—home to a strong concentration of engineering and aerospace organizations—as well as from research opportunities, co-ops, internships, and active student clubs that emphasize real-world applications. The college also highlights prominent alumni, including NASA scientists and defense industry leaders.

About the University

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is a public research institution and part of the University of Alabama System. It is situated in Huntsville, Alabama—widely recognized for its aerospace and technology sectors—which offers students rich opportunities for academic and professional growth in a research-intensive environment.

Tuskegee University
College of Engineering (COE)

Tuskegee University's College of Engineering offers a focused and historically grounded approach to engineering education. With an annual graduation of approximately 100 students across undergraduate and graduate levels, the college blends technical instruction with a broader educational mission inspired by figures such as Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver. The college emphasizes academic excellence, research, and service on both national and global scales.

The college comprises several departments:

  • Aerospace Science Engineering

  • Chemical Engineering

  • Electrical and Computer Engineering

  • Materials Science and Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Military Science/ROTC

Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, the college’s undergraduate programs are designed to prepare students for advanced studies and engineering careers. The college also supports research initiatives and summer programs, offering students access to experienced faculty, modern facilities, and partnerships with public and private entities.

About the University

Tuskegee University is a private, historically Black university located in Tuskegee, Alabama. Known for its legacy in civil rights and scientific innovation, the university offers a culturally rich and academically rigorous environment dedicated to leadership and service.

Engineering Scholarships and Financial Aid in Alabama

Students pursuing engineering degrees in Alabama have access to a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help offset the cost of education.

  • Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP): A need-based grant for eligible Alabama residents attending public or private institutions in the state.

  • CollegeCounts Scholarship: Offers awards of $4,000 for four-year college enrollees and $2,000 for two-year college enrollees in Alabama.

  • SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program: Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program provides full tuition, annual stipends, internships, and guaranteed employment with the DoD upon graduation for students in STEM fields.

  • Southern Automotive Women’s Forum (SAWF) Scholarship: Provides financial assistance to women enrolled or enrolling in STEM fields at accredited institutions, with a preference for those interested in the automotive industry.

  • Alabama G.I. Dependents Scholarship Program: Offers tuition, fees, and textbook assistance to eligible dependents of Alabama veterans attending public institutions in the state.

  • Institutional Aid: Most engineering schools in Alabama offer merit-based and need-based scholarships, research grants, and assistantships. Check with each institution’s financial aid office for specific opportunities.

  • FAFSA & Federal Aid: Completing the FAFSA opens doors to federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.

Engineering Licensure and Other Resources in Alabama

Engineers in Alabama who plan to offer their services to the public must be licensed through the state's regulatory board. Here are key points and resources to know:

  • Licensure Requirement: Professional engineers (PEs) must be licensed by the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BELS).

  • Steps to Licensure:

    • Earn a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program.

    • Pass the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam.

    • Gain four years of work experience under a licensed PE.

    • Pass the PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering) exam.

  • Licensure Benefits: Increases job opportunities, credibility, and legal authority to sign off on engineering plans and documents.

  • Other Statewide Resources:

FAQs About Engineering Education in Alabama

What types of engineering programs are offered in Alabama?
Students can pursue degrees in disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, civil, aerospace, chemical, computer, and biomedical engineering, among others.

Are there any online engineering degree programs available?
Yes, several universities in Alabama offer fully online or hybrid engineering programs, particularly at the graduate level. Students interested in earning an online bachelor’s degree in engineering or an online master’s degree in engineering can find flexible options designed to accommodate working professionals and remote learners.

Is it necessary to attend an ABET-accredited program?
For students planning to become licensed Professional Engineers (PE), graduating from an ABET-accredited program is typically required.

What is the job outlook for engineers in Alabama?
Engineering jobs in Alabama are strong, particularly in aerospace, automotive manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure. Huntsville, in particular, is a major engineering and defense hub.

Do in-state students receive tuition benefits?
Yes. Alabama residents generally pay significantly lower tuition rates at public universities compared to out-of-state students, and additional scholarship opportunities are available to in-state students.

ABET-Accredited Engineering Programs in Alabama

Alabama hosts a wide range of ABET-accredited engineering degree programs across public and private institutions. Here's a breakdown by school, location, and available programs.

Alabama A&M University Huntsville - Computer Science

- Civil Engineering

- Electrical Engineering

- Mechanical Engineering

University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham - Computer Science

- Civil Engineering

- Electrical Engineering

- Materials Engineering

- Mechanical Engineering

- Biomedical Engineering

The University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville - Electrical Engineering

- Industrial and Systems Engineering

- Mechanical Engineering

- Computer Science

- Chemical Engineering

- Civil Engineering

- Computer Engineering

- Aerospace Engineering

- Cybersecurity Engineering

The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa - Computer Science

- Mechanical Engineering

- Metallurgical Engineering

- Cyber Security

- Aerospace Engineering

- Chemical Engineering

- Civil Engineering

- Computer Engineering

- Electrical Engineering

- Construction Engineering

- Architectural Engineering

- Environmental Engineering

Athens State University Athens - Computer Science

- Information Technology

Auburn University Auburn - Computer Science

- Aerospace Engineering

- Biosystems Engineering

- Chemical Engineering

- Civil Engineering

- Electrical Engineering

- Industrial and Systems Engineering

- Materials Engineering

- Mechanical Engineering

- Software Engineering

- Computer Engineering

- Wireless Engineering

Jacksonville State University Jacksonville - Computer Science

- Computer Information Systems

University of North Alabama Florence - Occupational Health Science

- Computer Information Systems

- Computer Science

- Information Technology

- Engineering Technology

University of South Alabama Mobile - Computer Engineering

- Computer Science

- Information Systems

- Information Technology

- Chemical Engineering

- Civil Engineering

- Electrical Engineering

- Mechanical Engineering

Troy University Troy - Surveying & Geomatics Sciences
Tuskegee University Tuskegee - Computer Science

- Aerospace Science Engineering

- Chemical Engineering

- Electrical Engineering

- Mechanical Engineering

The University of West Alabama Livingston - Engineering Technology

- Industrial Maintenance

Note: The list of ABET-accredited engineering programs in Alabama was compiled in 2025. Because program offerings and accreditation statuses can change, readers are encouraged to visit the ABET official website and the individual university websites linked above for the most current information. You can also refer to other resources mentioned throughout this profile—such as the Alabama Commission on Higher Education and the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers—for guidance on academic planning and licensure.


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